What to Expect When Maison & Objet Comes to America

March 31, 2015

By Sara Pepitone

Blue Kinsa by Britto Charette. Image courtesy of Britto Charette.

It’s like the second-coming of Art Basel, say Miami locals of the buzz surrounding Maison & Objet’s American debut . The highly regarded Paris-based interiors trade show hits the beach May 12-15, 2015. Teresa Laughlin, a spokesperson for the event, hears Art Basel-like references nonstop. “There are so many ancillary events taking place all over the city, officially connected and independent, so excitement is very high. Add to that the exceptional reputation that Maison & Objet has built, and anticipation is very high.”

Maison & Objet Americas sold out quickly, which is outstanding considering the number of U.S.-based design events taking place that same month, including NYCxDESIGN (May 8-19), Collective (May 13-17) and ICFF (May 16-19). That said, it’s hard to compare the size and scope of Maison & Objet, which brings countless categories together.

And the other significant design events are in New York. “The design scene in Miami is moving in very interesting ways with a mix of art, culture and architecture, said Philippe Brocart , in a statement released by the fair. The managing director of SAFI , which owns and operates M&O, said the city was chosen for its convenient geographic location and its “dynamic environment” in which art deco architecture coexists with major modern projects. “We also want to bring a new approach compared to our Paris and Singapore events by presenting a curated offer balancing European brands with U.S. and Latin American designers.”

All that and workshops and talks too. Dror Benshetrit of Studio Dror will ponder the importance of the pursuit of dreams in relation to life, work, wisdom, and art. Paris trend agency Soon Soon Soon will present a report on Maison & Objet Paris. And David Rockwell of Rockwell Group and Interior Design editor in chief Cindy Allen will get people thinking with a talk titled, "What if? Rethinking the Collective Experience."

Boca do Lobo's Heritage Sideboard with ayers of hand-painted-tiles. Image courtesy of Boca do Lobo.

Laughlin says it was shockingly easy to get all these folks together. Everyone was eager to be involved. That will best be appreciated by the density of big name, world class design talent present for the Pritzker Architecture Prize ceremony, taking place on the final night of M&O. “Miami is definitely showing its muscle as a magnet not only for art but also all aspects of design.”

The schedule of events is still in progress, but here’s a rough idea:

May 12: Opening Night and VIP preview

May 13: Gala at New World Center , designed by 1989 Pritzker Prize Laureate Frank Gehry; Presentation of Designer of the Year award to Brazil’s Zanini de Zanine , and Rising Talent awards

May 14: Various events in the Design District; Cocktail Party at Palm Court